Talking about Music

Andrew is a young pianist who recently won the International Chopin Piano Competition. An

interviewer is asking him some questions about his life and music…

Interviewer: So, how does it feel to have won the Chopin competition?

Andrew: It’s been a very overwhelming experience! I’m so delighted to have won!

Interviewer: What encouraged you to the enter the Chopin Competition?

Andrew: Well, I was born in Poland in the same village as Fryderyk Chopin, so I grew up

listening to his music - it’s very magical and romantic! The Chopin Competition is also one

of the oldest and most prestigious competitions in the world, so it has always been my

ambition to take part in it.

Interviewer: You’re now considered to be one of best classical musicians of the 21 st Century

and an ambassador for classical music - how do you feel about this?

Andrew: Well, I’m very honoured and pleased to be an ambassador for classical music - it’s

my passion!

Interviewer: Being a very experienced performer, what advice would you give any young

pianist who wants to perform?

Andrew: Well, I would say that the approach of a pianist should be like the approach of a

conductor and gestures should always match the music. I think that a musician should always

aim to produce a strong emotional message for the audience…

Interviewer: That’s great advice! Have you come up against any challenges whilst working

as part of an orchestra?

Andrew: Of course, there are always challenges in any team, but these can be overcome by

working together and getting to know each other well. I think the relationship between

performers is very important and each musician brings something individual. Playing in an

orchestra wouldn’t be possible without good teamwork!

Interviewer: I have one final question… How important do you feel it is for children to have

access to music education throughout the world?

Andrew: I think that music education is still not easily accessible for all children. I think it’s

tremendously important that children have access to music education from an early age

because it helps to foster their creativity and imagination.

Interviewer: Absolutely – it’s very important. Thank you for your time, Andrew. Enjoy the

celebrations!